print and sell music paper for twenty-one years, and all other printers were forbidden to infringe this license under penalty of forty shillings. A petition from some printers, having reference to this license, shows it was not altogether a popular privilege. The complainants say: "Byrd and Tallys, her Majesty's Servants, have musicke bokes with note, _which the Complainants confess they would not print_, nor be furnished to print, tho' there were no privilege." I think this may be regarded as a little specimen of professional jealousy. Whether the privilege was a great financial benefit to the two old Masters one cannot say, but, anyhow, it was of great advantage in one way, and that was the opportunity it gave of printing and publishing their own works, and {13} Byrd was not slow in taking advantage of it. In 1575 appeared his first published work, as a set of "Cantiones" in 4, 5, and 6 parts. Some of the compositions were by Tallis and some by Byrd, and they are fine and dignified specimens of both composers. One by Tallis in particular is a beautiful example of his treatment of a Chorale, the parts flowing in charming melody and the whole work abounding in interesting and clever "imitation." I have been able to publish this fine example of early Church music, and it has been well received "in Quires and places where they sing." With the exception of "If ye love me" I do not know any anthem by Tallis which compares with it in solemn and chaste expression. It shows Byrd's old master--one of the founders of our Cathedral music--at his very best. On the death of Tallis 1585, the patent was enjoyed by Byrd alone, and he made very good use of it. One of his first publications was entitled _Psalmes, Sonets, and Songs of sadness and pietie, made into musicke of_ 5 _parts; whereof some of them going abroad among divers, in untrue coppies, are heere truely corrected, and the other being Songs very rare and newly composed, are heere published, for the recreation of all such as delight in Musicke_ (1588). {14} At the back of the title-page of this work are the following "Eight Reasons briefly set down by the Author to perswade every one to learn to sing:" 1. First it is a knowledge easily taught and quickly learned where there is a good Master and an apt Scholar. 2. The exercise of singing is delightful to Nature, and good to preserve the health of Man. 3. It doth strengthen all parts of the breast and doth open the pipes. 4. It is a singular good remedy for Stutting[1] and Stammering in the speech. 5. It is the best means to procure a perfect pronunciation, and to make a good Orator. 6. It is the only way to know where Nature hath bestowed the benefit of a good voice, which gift is so rare, as there is not one among a thousand that hath it, and in many that excellent gift is lost, because they want Art to express Nature.